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Thursday 5 February 2026

VSL were lucky enough to be invited down to explore the fabulous new CRAFTED at Powdermills Hotel. Located in East Sussex, TN33 – and quickly accessible from London – the hotel sits around a seven-acre lake with 78 acres of private ancient woodlands, streams, and old pastures.

The ethos of this new hotel is to welcome nature back in and from the moment of arrival, you become aware that the hotel oozes a warm, welcoming and tranquil vibe. The hotel offers spacious indoor event space or more intimate ones, as well as a range of nomadic and experiential spaces.

The Black Barn: a big, open space that’s whatever you need it to be. Fill it with flowers, fill it with people, or just fill it with noise. You can connect the Event Barn with the adjacent outdoor space if you want to take it outside. This naturally light and airy space can accommodate up to 250 guests for a standing reception, 180 for a seated dinner or 140 theatre style. The Black Barn is completely self contained and includes a private bar. 

Private Dining Rooms: For something a little more closed-door, there are two private dining rooms situated in the main house, one in the main restaurant and one by the Parlour. Both decorated in their own unique and charming styles, you have the choice of the light, airy and nature inspired restaurant PDR for 18 seated, or the colour rich, artistic Parlour PDR for up to 20 seated or 30 standing. 

The Parlour: This gorgeous space is typically a hideaway for private members, but can be hired privately for 20-30 guests in a lounge style. An awesome space for pre-dinner drinks, followed by your private dinner in the adjacent PDR. 

The Green Room: Also traditionally reserved for guests and members, The Green Room Bar offers crafted cocktails, a curated wine list, local beers, and shareable plates. Can be hired for up to 30 seated, or 60 standing and comes with an outdoor terrace for up to 30 guests during nicer weather. 

The Library: This cosy nook in the heart of the hotel lends itself to hiding away from the outside world with comfortable furnishings. An ideal space for up to 20 standing, 18 lounge style or even Theatre style for an intimate meeting. A wall-mounted plasma screen, covered by artwork means this space can easily transform from business to casual in a second. 

Nomadic Event Spaces: The very nature of CRAFTED at Powdermills means that events are not to be constrained by four walls. Their 78 acre grounds are ripe for exploring and creativity. Think drinks by the lake, around the outdoor pool, or a seated dinner in the Kitchen Garden to name a few. 

Old Kitchen: The Old Kitchen is an ideal space for smaller groups or workshops, up to 12 seated. 

The bedrooms are super special and there is no one-size-fits all approach. Some have balconies, some have lake views, some have TVs, some are screen-free, some are in the action, some are away from it, and so on. All, however, are luxuriously appointed with big soft beds, strong showers, comfortable chairs, well-lit desks, and a blend of vintage and modern furnishings. Artwork from the hotel's neighbours keeps things original, handmade pieces keep things crafted.

The hotel offers two fabulous dining options: The Restaurant is the heart of the hotel with a menu that’s shaped by what’s in season, what’s grown on site, and what’s worth eating. More vegetables than you’d expect, gluten-free and vegan options that don’t feel like compromises, and a kitchen that respects the ingredient. The Pub is an all-day affair, with pub classics to die for, an authentic pizza oven and plenty of locally sourced drinks. The pub opens out into a gorgeous conservatory style space and leads onto a terrace overlooking the hotel garden and outdoor pool.

There are three cottages within the grounds of Crafted at Powdermills, set up for celebrations, offsites and away days. Guests can enjoy all the space and quiet of a private residence and access all the activities and amenities of a life-friendly hotel. Also a great option for corporate groups wanting to get out of town. You'd have your own kitchen and chill-out areas, as well as full use of The Restaurant and The Pub, the lakeside experiences (sauna, hot tubs, kayaks and more), wellness facilities (gym, classes, padel courts and treatments). 

A Craft Barn is tucked amongst the woodland with pottery and crafting classes and workshops available daily and available for hire.